Holiday Homecoming

Holiday Homecoming
Jean C. Gordon

The Pastor's Christmas MatchPastor Connor Donnelly is done with romance. After proposing to his high school sweetheart, Natalie Delacroix, five years ago—and being turned down—he's putting all his time and energy into his community. He's determined to make the Christmas pageant he's directing a success. But family and friends are set on fixing up the good-looking bachelor in time for the holidays. And now that Natalie is back in Paradox Lake—and helping with the pageant—they might just succeed. Because working so closely with Natalie stirs up old feelings…and Connor starts to hope for a second chance with the one who got away.

The Pastor’s Christmas Match

Pastor Connor Donnelly is done with romance. After proposing to his high school sweetheart, Natalie Delacroix, five years ago—and being turned down—he’s putting all his time and energy into his community. He’s determined to make the Christmas pageant he’s directing a success. But family and friends are set on fixing up the good-looking bachelor in time for the holidays. And now that Natalie is back in Paradox Lake—and helping with the pageant—they might just succeed. Because working so closely with Natalie stirs up old feelings…and Connor starts to hope for a second chance with the one who got away.

“You don’t want to work on the pageant?” Connor asked her.

Natalie avoided his gaze. “It’s just… Isn’t it awkward for you? Wouldn’t you rather be working with someone else?”

“We’re both adults. Anything between us ended a long time ago. I agree with your mother that you’re the best qualified person to step in for her.”

“You didn’t answer my question,” she reminded him.

He wasn’t sure he could. “I want the best person we can get for the choir director. You’re good.”

He lifted her chin with his forefinger. “What happened?” he asked suddenly. “Why are you really back?”

Connor was uncertain whether he thought it would help to talk about the elephant in the room.

Her eyes clouded. “This isn’t easy to talk about.”

“You don’t have to. That was just counselor Connor kicking in. You know, all that listening and conflict resolution training I had at seminary.”

“No, you’re right. Talking will help us start over—as friends—so we can work together on the pageant.”

Something in him rebelled at the way she emphasized as friends.

JEAN C. GORDON’s writing is a natural extension of her love of reading. From that day in first grade when she realized t-h-e was the word the, she’s been reading everything she can put her hands on. Jean and her college-sweetheart husband share a 175-year-old farmhouse in Upstate New York with their daughter and her family. Their son lives nearby. Contact Jean at facebook.com/jeancgordon.author (https://www.facebook.com/JeanCGordon.Author) or PO Box 113, Selkirk, NY 12158.

Holiday

Homecoming

Jean C. Gordon

www.millsandboon.co.uk (http://www.millsandboon.co.uk)

“For surely I know the plans I have for you,” says the Lord, “plans for your welfare and not for harm, to give you a future with hope.”

—Jeremiah 29:11

To my family for being the anchor of my life

and putting up with my love of

celebrating holidays, any holiday.

Contents

Cover (#ufa45249f-d08d-5092-b895-fe8b0339cefa)

Back Cover Text (#ucdb55e86-1a60-5ce1-86d8-fda9b94215fb)

Introduction (#u68e88791-f32e-5fe0-bdd9-b968a9582a1e)

About the Author (#udaf1edf1-f6b3-5d3f-a07d-d69751df6008)

Title Page (#u8ba9efcc-69d2-57a0-82b8-8990b9871c75)

Bible Verse (#ue8fe71db-60eb-5ba6-a342-c0d85bd2b1f6)

Dedication (#u37fef402-1fad-5215-aa6d-109caecbb0b8)

Chapter One (#ulink_0cd17cee-756a-55b5-9f00-997a47209d04)

Chapter Two (#ulink_812b4766-5e67-5dce-ba34-5b9aac94c6b0)

Chapter Three (#ulink_3260fede-b348-5cbb-9130-ffd9329effb8)

Chapter Four (#ulink_b27e31c5-46b2-5f19-ba03-183442d0ed11)

Chapter Five (#litres_trial_promo)

Chapter Six (#litres_trial_promo)

Chapter Seven (#litres_trial_promo)

Chapter Eight (#litres_trial_promo)

Chapter Nine (#litres_trial_promo)

Chapter Ten (#litres_trial_promo)

Chapter Eleven (#litres_trial_promo)

Chapter Twelve (#litres_trial_promo)

Chapter Thirteen (#litres_trial_promo)

Chapter Fourteen (#litres_trial_promo)

Epilogue (#litres_trial_promo)

Dear Reader (#litres_trial_promo)

Extract (#litres_trial_promo)